'People're willing to pay for quality'

Stephen Roger, chairman of BKR International's Asia-Pacific operations, was in India recently for the third time this year. He is also the chairman of the firm's international standards committee. The Australia-based association of independent accounting and business advisory firms had recently signed up Delhi-based firm Mayur Batra & Co and Nanubhai Desai & Co as network firms in India. Roger is also exploring a relationship with a Hyderabad based firm. BKR International is ranked among the top 20 firms in the world. He spoke to Tina Edwin about plans for India. Excerpts:

Why did it take so long for BKR to come to India?

We had a presence in the country till 1989. We are now making a comeback. We have been actively looking for partners since last year. We have a rigorous set of standards that we expect all incoming members to meet. Also, once a firm becomes a member of our network, we expect them to meet the quality standards on an ongoing basis. We expect them to undergo a peer review by either other member firms or that of their professional body every three years.

In addition, they are expected to attend annual regional conferences. We maintain a uniform quality of service across the world.

What are the areas where BKR propose to provide services in India?

With a large number of multinationals coming to India, including many of our clients, we plan to offer a full suite of services ranging from tax services, auditing, management consultancy, forensic accounting, and mergers and acquisitions.

BKR intends to take about five firms in its fold in India. Would that not lead to a situation where the member-firms would be competing with each other?

No. They would not be competing with each other for business. Each of the membership would be exclusive to a city. This would ensure that each firm can offer a suite of services to clients in a part of the country. Firms would refer clients to each other if they don't have expertise in a particular area.